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Turned down for DLA or AA? Think you're not getting enough This guide is for anyone who thinks the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have made the wrong decision about their claim for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance (AA), and wants it to be looked at again (or is thinking about it).

This guide will be particularly helpful for you if you do not have an adviser, or if you have an adviser but they cannot come to the hearing with you. It will take you step-by-step through the whole process. We will show you how to minimise the stress it might cause you, and how to maximise your chances of getting a good result. This guide looks long, but don't be put off - you will only need to read a few sections at each stage.

A frequently asked question regarding Disability Living Allowance

A question we at Mobility Advice Line are hearing more and more frequently is:

"How long does it take for a DLA claim to be decided"? or "Why does it take so long for my claim to be decided?"

Unfortunately, it is completely impossible to say how long it will take a claim to be decided. It will depend on such things as:

How complex your condition is, whether you have managed to include supporting medical evidence,

how busy the decision maker is at the time,

whether they contact your GP or other health professional and how long they take to reply,

whether they decide to send a doctor out to visit you or not

and many other factors.

The most important thing is to be certain that the DWP have received your claim. If you are not sure about this contact them, you should at least have received a written acknowledgement. There is nothing to stop you contacting the DWP and asking what is happening with your claim, but there is no guarantee it will make any difference. Telephone the Disability and Carers Service on 0845 712 3456. You will need your National Insurance Number at hand.

Twelve things that will NOT affect your claim for Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a complicated benefit and many people, including some doctors, care workers and Department for Works and Pensions staff (DWP), pass on information and opinions that are not correct. I would like to start by telling you 12 things that, no matter what you have been told before, do not affect your right to claim DLA.

You are getting any other benefits (except attendance allowance and some war pension or industrial injuries supplements) - DLA will be paid on top.

You are working.

Your partner works

You are a student.

You have savings.

You have not paid any national insurance contributions.

You do not consider yourself to be disabled - DLA is for people with long-term health problems, which affect their everyday activities.

You have been told by a doctor, nurse, care worker - or anyone other than a welfare rights worker - that you will not get DLA. Eligibility for DLA is a legal question, not a matter of medical - or any other - opinion.

You live alone and no one is providing care for you.

You already have someone, a partner, or friend for example, providing care for you.

You have been turned down before

You do not want to spend money on personal care: you can spend your DLA on anything you wish.

There are a few things, other than your current state of health, which are important, however: Two things that will affect your claim

1. Are you under 65?

Yes? You can move on to question 2.

No? Then, unfortunately, you cannot claim for DLA. However, you may be able to claim a similar benefit called Attendance Allowance.

2. Have your health problems lasted at least three months and are they likely to last at least another six months?

Yes? Then you can claim immediately.

No? If they have not already lasted three months you can still make a claim, but payment can only begin from the date when they have lasted three months.

You can claim disability living allowance (DLA) on either mental and physical health grounds or a combination of the two. So, if you still think you may be eligible, telephone our office and ask for an appointment with a Benefits Advisor.

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